Environment Minnesota Calls for More Wind Power

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KBJR News 1

Environment Minnesota Calls for More Wind Power

November 28, 2012Updated Nov 28, 2012 at 12:58 PM CST

Duluth, MN (NNCNOW.COM) -- As the Duluth flood and its aftermath prompt more Minnesotans to call for action to tackle global warming and the rise in extreme weather, Environment Minnesota released a new Environment Minnesota Research & Policy Center report that shows the state's current power generation from wind and energy displaces as much global warming pollution as taking 757,000 cars off the road per year.

Minnesota suffered from a severe drought this year, and the report shows that wind power saves enough water to meet the needs of 59,800 Minnesotans.

Representatives from Environment Minnesota urges Congress to extend federal incentives for wind power, the renewable energy production tax credit and the offshore wind investment tax credit, before they expire at the end of the year.

Wind energy now provides nearly 13% of Minnesota’s electricity, making Minnesota the 4th wind producer in the country.

If wind development continues at a pace comparable to that of recent years through 2016, Minnesota would reduce global warming pollution by as much as taking an additional 609,000 cars off the road, and would save enough water to meet the needs of an additional 48,100 Minnesotans.

The report also outlined that Wednesday's wind energy in Minnesota is delivering results for public health, by avoiding 5,480 tons of smog-causing pollution and 3,480 tons of soot pollution.